Winter 2023/24
Thank You from the Board Chair Recognizing Nine Years of Service
Jennifer Bidlingmyer completes her final year of service on Foundation’s Board of Directors. Thank you to Jennifer Bidlingmyer for her nine years of dedication to Barberton Community Foundation. “In my time on the Board, I have learned how the Foundation touches every corner of our city from small grants to large collaborative economic projects; from supporting our young people in their education and their professional journey to supporting our senior citizens with Mobile Meals and the Active Adult Center. We really are blessed as a community to have such an impactful foundation.” - Jennifer Bidlingmyer
As I reflect on the conclusion of 2023, I am both honored and humbled by the accomplishments and milestones achieved by the Barberton Community Foundation. Serving as the Board Chair for the past two years has been a privilege, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have helped my community in this capacity. I sincerely appreciate all the support from the Board, the staff and countless others along this journey.
460 W. Paige Ave. | Barberton, OH 44203
Mike Andric Jim Bauschlinger Justin Greer Ann Hutchison Mayor William Judge Theresa Osborne Jeff Ramnytz Jason Slater Susan Wynn
2023 was a challenging and eventful year at the Foundation. In the spring, with a heavy heart, we wished Dr. Suzanne Allen well as she began her next chapter, retirement. Her contributions to the Foundation will be felt for years to come, and for that I say thank you. Tiffany Peters, then Director of Finance, stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director. She has served with a calm and steady hand, providing guidance to the staff and board during the time of transition. I believe I speak for the entire Board in thanking Tiffany for her dedication during our transition period. We are excited to have her full focus back on the Director of Finance role. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I’d like to welcome Josh Gordon to his new role as Executive Director. Josh has a deep passion for our community and a unique set of experiences that position him for success. I am confident in Josh’s ability to lead the Foundation toward new levels of success, and I am excited for the opportunity to serve with him in this new capacity.
Rudy was a Barberton football coach, science teacher, and Athletic Director. Until this 2023 season, Sharkey was Barberton’s all-time leader in football coaching wins with 71 victories in 11 seasons. Sharkey posted a record of 71-36-2 as Barberton’s football coach from 1972-1982. The high school football stadium was named in his honor in 1983. He is recognized in the Barberton Sports Hall of Fame, Summit County Sports Hall of Fame, and the Ohio High School Coaches Hall of Fame.
Sincerely,
Jason Slater
For more information and event updates, visit www.barbertoncf.org 330.745.5995 | 460 W. Paige Ave. | Barberton, OH 44203 3
Find us on Facebook @BarbertonCommunity Foundation
Bringing the History of Barberton to Life Foundation funds grant to schools for local author to write new book with third grade local history curriculum Barberton is a town rich in history and many stories. Some of those stories will soon be collected by local author Conrad Storad and shared in a new book with third grade students in Barberton City School District as part of their updated social studies and local history curriculum.
Dr. Shelly Habegger, Director of Curriculum, knew who to call. “The schools have a great relationship with Conrad Storad. We’re lucky to have such a gifted author in our community,” she said.
The Sharkey family honors his and Millie’s legacy with this scholarhip in their memory. The scholarship will make its first scholarship award this year to two Barberton High School seniors who display leadership, determination, and teamwork through BHS athletics.
Make a donation to the Sharkey Fund today! Scan or visit us online at barbertoncf.org/donate
Conrad Storad with his Story Monster characters.
“Currently, our students are using a version of the History of Barberton that is 15 years old and no longer captures the depth of what our students need to learn,” explained Phil Hodanbosi, Instructional Coach for Barberton City Schools. “We needed an update.”
In memory of Rudy A Sharkey, Jr. August 12, 1935 - April 21, 2023
While this has been a year of change for the Foundation, our purpose and vision have never been clearer. We must continue to responsibly steward the funds entrusted to us by the community to ensure that benefits to Barberton citizens are realized today, tomorrow, and into the future. The goal of perpetuity is fundamental to the mission of the Foundation and will continue to guide and shape our decisions for grant making, economic development, and all other community initiatives.
Past Chair of the Board of Directors
Staff Josh Gordon, Executive Director Tiffany Peters, Director of Finance Kate DeAngelis Director of Marketing Carrie Herman Director of Community Impact
Announcing the Rudy & Millie Sharkey Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund
January 2024 also marks several transitions on our Board as I complete my time as Chair. The Foundation welcomed new officers: Lynne Holcomb as the Chair of the Board of Directors, Moriah CheathamWilliams as Vice-Chair, Deb Shreiner as Secretary, and Hugh McMichael as Treasurer. I would also like to thank Jennifer Bidlingmyer for her service to the Board as she concludes her final term of service.
Barberton Community Foundation’s 2024 Officers (L-R) Deb Shreiner, Secretary; Lynne Holcomb, President; Moriah Cheatham-Williams, Vice President; Hugh McMichael, Treasurer
Board of Directors Lynne Holcomb, Chair Moriah Cheatham-Williams, Vice Chair Hugh McMichael, Treasurer Deb Shreiner, Secretary
Inside
Conrad Storad, the self-proclaimed ‘edutainer,’ was thrilled to be awarded the contract. “I was all in from the very beginning,” he said. “In my books, I teach science and history through storytelling.”
Page 3: Letter of Gratitude from Past Board Chair, Jason Slater
Storad is the award-winning author or editor of more than 60 science and nature books for children and young adults. He received an IRWIN Award as Storyteller of the Year in 2018 from the Book Publicists of Southern California and a recent book, Story Monsters Among Us, won the Outstanding Creator Award as Best Children’s Book for 2023.
Page 2: Message From Executive Director, Josh Gordon The mission of Barberton Community Foundation is to strengthen the Barberton community for current and future generations by providing leadership, fostering collaboration, and creating a legacy of giving to do good. We envision an improved quality of life for Barberton residents, now and forever.
Page 4: A Magical Evening Page 5: Third Cycle Grant Announcements
Storad grew up in Barberton, earned the nickname “Top,” and graduated from Barberton High School, class of 1975. He then earned a BA in mass media communication from the University of Akron and completed his master’s degree in in mass communication/science journalism from Arizona State University. Storad lived much of his career in Arizona, returning to Barberton with his wife, Laurie, to be closer to family. “Kids can relate to someone who grew up here.” Hodanbosi said, “We’re really looking forward to working with him. He knows our history, but more than that, he has a passion for it. Conrad has always been successful in bringing scientific and historic information to kids in an engaging way.” Conrad shared that he likes to write for third grade students because they’re just learning to read on their own. “Stories are fun, they resonate and stick in your mind. I want to do a fun story about Barberton that will stick with them better than a list of facts.” “What I’ve done in past books is to create a narrator to tell the story. My narrators are usually animals,” he said. “So, I started thinking about what kind of animal I wanted to narrate this story. Bob Snyder showed me a photo of O.C. Barber with his dogs at the Wishing Well, and some of those trees are still there. I see all kinds of squirrels running around the wishing well. Fun squirrels. Wacky squirrels.” Continued on Page 5
Barberton History Continued from Front Page
“And so I decided on a squirrel as a narrator, telling the story of his 35-generations-removed ancestor, that was around during O.C. Barber’s time,” he said. The book will have to address numerous subjects. The overarching theme of grade three social studies is “Communities: Past and Present, Near and Far” with the curriculum outline written as: the local community serves as the focal point for third grade as students begin to understand how their communities have changed over time and to make comparisons with communities in other places. The study of local history comes alive through the use of artifacts and documents. They also learn how communities are governed and how the local economy is organized.
An Introduction from Executive Director Josh Gordon I write this having recently completed my first week serving as the Foundation’s Executive Director. This position comes with many responsibilities - and opportunities. Rather than listing them all for you, I’d like to publicly extend the commitment I’ve already made to our Board of Directors. To the city, school district, nonprofit community of Barberton, fund holders, donors, grant partners, business community, and residents of Barberton: my door is open to you! My experiences in business, government, and nonprofit leadership have taught me that trust is earned through transparency and a sincere willingness to listen and learn. I have always believed in being persistently curious and asking questions (without a fear of looking silly)! I encourage everyone to share their curiosities with me. I am interested in learning what you’re curious about when it comes to the Foundation. What have you heard about us but would like to verify? What are you curious about, but never asked? What is your question about how the Foundation works? Ask away! Please email me at jgordon@barbertoncf.org. Or, if you see me around town at a Magics’ Basketball game, at Kave getting a cup of coffee, or leaving a movie at Lake 8, getting a bite to eat at Remarkable Diner – or
Something I learned about the Foundation in my first week as Executive Director is that I am fortunate to be surrounded by so many people who care deeply about building our community. The kindness and warmth of the team, the Board, the Friends of the Foundation group, officials from the City and school district, have all made me feel welcome and supported. Their kindness is appreciated, as we have a lot of important work to do together. This year will continue our focus in economic development, building on the work that has begun in that area. The Foundation has many projects either actively underway or under consideration right now. We also have work to do in how we share what we do with the community. I believe that the more everyone understands about how the Foundation gets money, how we grow the money we have, and how we give it away to charitable organizations and important projects, the more impact our resources will have. We are all about impact here at BCF. The question we ask ourselves is: What can we do to have the most positive impact for the most people in Barberton? Whether you have questions or ideas, I’d love to hear them.
A Note on Perpetuity
Tiffany Peters served as Interim Executive Director through December, 2023. She is pleased to return to her role as Director of Finance in January.
2
A Night of Celebration
When the Foundation was formed, it was intended to last for perpetuity, or forever in other words. Since then, we have saved taxpayers millions of dollars, including $58 million for the high school alone. We have also funded land purchases for the middle school, youth sports fields, the senior center for the City, and numerous other projects benefiting Barberton residents.
Barberton Community Foundation held our 2023 Annual Dinner on Thursday, November 2, at the Galaxy Restaurant. The night of celebration featured our 2023 Game Changers, Brian Canale and Common Threads Closet. Brian Canale attended with his wife, Carol, family and friends. Cindy Bach, director of Common Threads, accepted the award on behalf of her many volunteers and supporters.
Based on thoughtful conversations over the last several years, we increased our grantmaking to $350,000, scholarships rose to $290,000, and we spent just over $400,000 in new economic development grant programs. Despite a tumultuous investment environment, our spending policy and our investment strategies provided guardrails for us to continue funding these critical activities this year. Because funding this work has made such an
Brian Canale was recognized for his long history of charitable giving to Barberton City Schools, sports teams, and more recently to the Ben Curtis Family Foundation. Brian is also chair of the Turf Committee and hosts the Chicken Open golf tournament each year which donates proceeds to area food-based charities. Brian Canale is synonymous with Barberton chicken, and it was at Devore’s Hopocan Gardens that Brian learned the origin of the family’s charitable values.
important impact, we expect to stay on a similar path of spending in 2024. As you make your plans for the future, we would be happy to talk with you about how to start a fund and leave a legacy. Having been in this space for a long time, I have seen the impact even small donations can make, as well as the lasting impact a contribution to an endowment gives to a cause you care about. There will always be great need, so we ask you: how would you like to help? Give us a call to get started at 330-745-5995 or visit our website to learn more about our family of funds. Wishing you a happy 2024, Tiffany Peters, Director of Finance
The book will be 40 pages, with an appendix that includes Barberton’s Walk of Fame and Academic Hall of Fame. “Let’s pique their curiosity,” Storad said. “Encourage them to find out about this person from Barberton, who were they and what did they do?”
Barberton Community Foundation honors 2023 Game Changers Brian Canale and Common Threads Closet
We would like to thank our sponsors and all our guests for joining us on this wonderful evening. Each of you made the event special, we appreciate you and your gifts of time, talent and treasure to the community of Barberton. This night showed Barberton’s magic! Josh Gordon, Executive Director
“There’s a lot to cover,” said Storad. “Geography and how Lake Anna was formed, for example. Local history is not just recent history. It’s the ice age and the native people who were here, then the founding of Barberton. It will be an overview of the prehistoric past, near past, present, and a little bit of the future, too.”
When Brian took over the business, his grandfather, William DeVore, said something that has stayed with him. “We feed everybody.” Brian has taken that message to heart and applied it to the community. Common Threads Closet is a Barberton nonprofit organization providing clothing of all sizes, shoes, home goods, and small appliances to those in need. Housed in the basement of Lakeview United Methodist Church at 211 3rd St, this organization is run entirely by volunteers. The closet is open twice a week, on Thursdays from 4-7pm and Saturdays from 10am-1pm. Director Cindy Bach said she’s always looking for volunteers. “We take everybody,” says Cindy. “We have folks who volunteer from home because they have limited mobility. If you want to help out, we will work with you. There’s a job for everyone.” If you’d like to continue your celebration of our Game Changers, visit our website at barbertoncf.org/donate to make a gift to their funds, or to our general fund in their name. Top: (L-R) Game Changers Brian Canale and Cindy Bach
Bottom Left: (L-R) Tiffany Peters, Carol Canale, Brian Canale, Bethany McKenney, and Jason Slater
Bottom Right: Common Threads Closet volunteers
Conrad Storad and Laurie Storad engage with visitors at Mum Fest. Photo Credit: Rob Greer, ArtsNow SEEN Project - Funded in part by Barberton Community Foundation
Storad is working with the schools to have the book ready for printing in time for the 2024 fall school year. Barberton has about 250 third grade students each year. As an addition to the book and the curriculum, these students take a bus tour of the city and visit O.C. Barber’s Piggery. “This will be something we can take pride in as a community and will impact our students for potentially the rest of their lives,” said Hodanbosi. “Thank you to Barberton Community Foundation for supporting this project and making this partnership possible.”
Third Cycle Grant Awards: Arts and Community
Barberton Community Foundation awards its final grant cycle of 2023, funding $93,375 in arts and community projects to five area organizations including the Barberton City School District and the City of Barberton Parks and Recreation. Barberton City School District
Barberton City School District received funding for two programs totaling $33,375. Bringing Barberton History to Life received $19,375. Barberton 3rd-grade students receive local history lessons as part of their social studies class. The school is working to update their curriculum with a new book on Barberton history and aligning it with Ohio’s Learning Standards. Students also receive a bus tour of the city and a tour of O.C. Barber’s Piggery as part of their experience. The school’s second program, called Refining Music Skills, received $14,000. The grant provides support for funding skilled performance musicians who will work with student percussion instrumentalists and advanced ensemble students at Barberton Middle School and Barberton High School. Their goal is to provide additional expert instruction to music students and inspire middle school students to continue with the orchestra once they enter the high school.
...................................................................... Magical Theatre Company
Magical Theatre Company received $25,000 for their PACT (Performing Arts Can Teach) program. PACT provides meaningful live theatre experiences for Barberton students in grades 1,3,5,7,9, and 12. Students in these grades will take field trips to Magical Theatre Company performances at no cost to their families. The program also provides Teacher-Student Study Guides that tie into their current curriculum. Additionally, all grades in Barberton Primary and Barberton Intermediate will have professional theatre experiences at their school via touring productions.
City of Barberton Parks and Recreation The City of Barberton’s Parks and Recreation department received $15,000 to provide support toward the city’s programming, festivals and events including: “Day at the Park” youth programs, the senior fair and van trips, movie nights in the park and summer concert series.
....................................................................... Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity received $10,000 toward their 2024 Neighborhood Reborn event, which works to cleanup, revitalize and transform a neighborhood in Barberton over the course of two days. This program expects to work with 45 residents, who will see direct impact on their neighborhood through tangible home and yard improvements as well as increased civic pride, improved public amenities, and an improved neighborhood perception of safety.
...................................................................... Barberton Diamond Sports
Barberton Diamond Sports received $10,000 to overhaul one of their baseball/softball fields and to assist in scholarships for players. Barberton Diamond Sports offers spring and fall baseball and softball seasons with 7 baseball teams, 4 softball teams and 4 tee ball teams, serving youth 5-14 years old and their families.
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anywhere – stop and say hi and tell me what you’d like to know. If I don’t have an answer on the spot, I’ll get one and follow up with you.
Winter 2023/24
Thank You from the Board Chair Recognizing Nine Years of Service
Jennifer Bidlingmyer completes her final year of service on Foundation’s Board of Directors. Thank you to Jennifer Bidlingmyer for her nine years of dedication to Barberton Community Foundation. “In my time on the Board, I have learned how the Foundation touches every corner of our city from small grants to large collaborative economic projects; from supporting our young people in their education and their professional journey to supporting our senior citizens with Mobile Meals and the Active Adult Center. We really are blessed as a community to have such an impactful foundation.” - Jennifer Bidlingmyer
As I reflect on the conclusion of 2023, I am both honored and humbled by the accomplishments and milestones achieved by the Barberton Community Foundation. Serving as the Board Chair for the past two years has been a privilege, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have helped my community in this capacity. I sincerely appreciate all the support from the Board, the staff and countless others along this journey.
460 W. Paige Ave. | Barberton, OH 44203
Mike Andric Jim Bauschlinger Justin Greer Ann Hutchison Mayor William Judge Theresa Osborne Jeff Ramnytz Jason Slater Susan Wynn
2023 was a challenging and eventful year at the Foundation. In the spring, with a heavy heart, we wished Dr. Suzanne Allen well as she began her next chapter, retirement. Her contributions to the Foundation will be felt for years to come, and for that I say thank you. Tiffany Peters, then Director of Finance, stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director. She has served with a calm and steady hand, providing guidance to the staff and board during the time of transition. I believe I speak for the entire Board in thanking Tiffany for her dedication during our transition period. We are excited to have her full focus back on the Director of Finance role. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I’d like to welcome Josh Gordon to his new role as Executive Director. Josh has a deep passion for our community and a unique set of experiences that position him for success. I am confident in Josh’s ability to lead the Foundation toward new levels of success, and I am excited for the opportunity to serve with him in this new capacity.
Rudy was a Barberton football coach, science teacher, and Athletic Director. Until this 2023 season, Sharkey was Barberton’s all-time leader in football coaching wins with 71 victories in 11 seasons. Sharkey posted a record of 71-36-2 as Barberton’s football coach from 1972-1982. The high school football stadium was named in his honor in 1983. He is recognized in the Barberton Sports Hall of Fame, Summit County Sports Hall of Fame, and the Ohio High School Coaches Hall of Fame.
Sincerely,
Jason Slater
For more information and event updates, visit www.barbertoncf.org 330.745.5995 | 460 W. Paige Ave. | Barberton, OH 44203 3
Find us on Facebook @BarbertonCommunity Foundation
Bringing the History of Barberton to Life Foundation funds grant to schools for local author to write new book with third grade local history curriculum Barberton is a town rich in history and many stories. Some of those stories will soon be collected by local author Conrad Storad and shared in a new book with third grade students in Barberton City School District as part of their updated social studies and local history curriculum.
Dr. Shelly Habegger, Director of Curriculum, knew who to call. “The schools have a great relationship with Conrad Storad. We’re lucky to have such a gifted author in our community,” she said.
The Sharkey family honors his and Millie’s legacy with this scholarhip in their memory. The scholarship will make its first scholarship award this year to two Barberton High School seniors who display leadership, determination, and teamwork through BHS athletics.
Make a donation to the Sharkey Fund today! Scan or visit us online at barbertoncf.org/donate
Conrad Storad with his Story Monster characters.
“Currently, our students are using a version of the History of Barberton that is 15 years old and no longer captures the depth of what our students need to learn,” explained Phil Hodanbosi, Instructional Coach for Barberton City Schools. “We needed an update.”
In memory of Rudy A Sharkey, Jr. August 12, 1935 - April 21, 2023
While this has been a year of change for the Foundation, our purpose and vision have never been clearer. We must continue to responsibly steward the funds entrusted to us by the community to ensure that benefits to Barberton citizens are realized today, tomorrow, and into the future. The goal of perpetuity is fundamental to the mission of the Foundation and will continue to guide and shape our decisions for grant making, economic development, and all other community initiatives.
Past Chair of the Board of Directors
Staff Josh Gordon, Executive Director Tiffany Peters, Director of Finance Kate DeAngelis Director of Marketing Carrie Herman Director of Community Impact
Announcing the Rudy & Millie Sharkey Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund
January 2024 also marks several transitions on our Board as I complete my time as Chair. The Foundation welcomed new officers: Lynne Holcomb as the Chair of the Board of Directors, Moriah CheathamWilliams as Vice-Chair, Deb Shreiner as Secretary, and Hugh McMichael as Treasurer. I would also like to thank Jennifer Bidlingmyer for her service to the Board as she concludes her final term of service.
Barberton Community Foundation’s 2024 Officers (L-R) Deb Shreiner, Secretary; Lynne Holcomb, President; Moriah Cheatham-Williams, Vice President; Hugh McMichael, Treasurer
Board of Directors Lynne Holcomb, Chair Moriah Cheatham-Williams, Vice Chair Hugh McMichael, Treasurer Deb Shreiner, Secretary
Inside
Conrad Storad, the self-proclaimed ‘edutainer,’ was thrilled to be awarded the contract. “I was all in from the very beginning,” he said. “In my books, I teach science and history through storytelling.”
Page 3: Letter of Gratitude from Past Board Chair, Jason Slater
Storad is the award-winning author or editor of more than 60 science and nature books for children and young adults. He received an IRWIN Award as Storyteller of the Year in 2018 from the Book Publicists of Southern California and a recent book, Story Monsters Among Us, won the Outstanding Creator Award as Best Children’s Book for 2023.
Page 2: Message From Executive Director, Josh Gordon The mission of Barberton Community Foundation is to strengthen the Barberton community for current and future generations by providing leadership, fostering collaboration, and creating a legacy of giving to do good. We envision an improved quality of life for Barberton residents, now and forever.
Page 4: A Magical Evening Page 5: Third Cycle Grant Announcements
Storad grew up in Barberton, earned the nickname “Top,” and graduated from Barberton High School, class of 1975. He then earned a BA in mass media communication from the University of Akron and completed his master’s degree in in mass communication/science journalism from Arizona State University. Storad lived much of his career in Arizona, returning to Barberton with his wife, Laurie, to be closer to family. “Kids can relate to someone who grew up here.” Hodanbosi said, “We’re really looking forward to working with him. He knows our history, but more than that, he has a passion for it. Conrad has always been successful in bringing scientific and historic information to kids in an engaging way.” Conrad shared that he likes to write for third grade students because they’re just learning to read on their own. “Stories are fun, they resonate and stick in your mind. I want to do a fun story about Barberton that will stick with them better than a list of facts.” “What I’ve done in past books is to create a narrator to tell the story. My narrators are usually animals,” he said. “So, I started thinking about what kind of animal I wanted to narrate this story. Bob Snyder showed me a photo of O.C. Barber with his dogs at the Wishing Well, and some of those trees are still there. I see all kinds of squirrels running around the wishing well. Fun squirrels. Wacky squirrels.” Continued on Page 5
Barberton History Continued from Front Page
“And so I decided on a squirrel as a narrator, telling the story of his 35-generations-removed ancestor, that was around during O.C. Barber’s time,” he said. The book will have to address numerous subjects. The overarching theme of grade three social studies is “Communities: Past and Present, Near and Far” with the curriculum outline written as: the local community serves as the focal point for third grade as students begin to understand how their communities have changed over time and to make comparisons with communities in other places. The study of local history comes alive through the use of artifacts and documents. They also learn how communities are governed and how the local economy is organized.
An Introduction from Executive Director Josh Gordon I write this having recently completed my first week serving as the Foundation’s Executive Director. This position comes with many responsibilities - and opportunities. Rather than listing them all for you, I’d like to publicly extend the commitment I’ve already made to our Board of Directors. To the city, school district, nonprofit community of Barberton, fund holders, donors, grant partners, business community, and residents of Barberton: my door is open to you! My experiences in business, government, and nonprofit leadership have taught me that trust is earned through transparency and a sincere willingness to listen and learn. I have always believed in being persistently curious and asking questions (without a fear of looking silly)! I encourage everyone to share their curiosities with me. I am interested in learning what you’re curious about when it comes to the Foundation. What have you heard about us but would like to verify? What are you curious about, but never asked? What is your question about how the Foundation works? Ask away! Please email me at jgordon@barbertoncf.org. Or, if you see me around town at a Magics’ Basketball game, at Kave getting a cup of coffee, or leaving a movie at Lake 8, getting a bite to eat at Remarkable Diner – or
Something I learned about the Foundation in my first week as Executive Director is that I am fortunate to be surrounded by so many people who care deeply about building our community. The kindness and warmth of the team, the Board, the Friends of the Foundation group, officials from the City and school district, have all made me feel welcome and supported. Their kindness is appreciated, as we have a lot of important work to do together. This year will continue our focus in economic development, building on the work that has begun in that area. The Foundation has many projects either actively underway or under consideration right now. We also have work to do in how we share what we do with the community. I believe that the more everyone understands about how the Foundation gets money, how we grow the money we have, and how we give it away to charitable organizations and important projects, the more impact our resources will have. We are all about impact here at BCF. The question we ask ourselves is: What can we do to have the most positive impact for the most people in Barberton? Whether you have questions or ideas, I’d love to hear them.
A Note on Perpetuity
Tiffany Peters served as Interim Executive Director through December, 2023. She is pleased to return to her role as Director of Finance in January.
2
A Night of Celebration
When the Foundation was formed, it was intended to last for perpetuity, or forever in other words. Since then, we have saved taxpayers millions of dollars, including $58 million for the high school alone. We have also funded land purchases for the middle school, youth sports fields, the senior center for the City, and numerous other projects benefiting Barberton residents.
Barberton Community Foundation held our 2023 Annual Dinner on Thursday, November 2, at the Galaxy Restaurant. The night of celebration featured our 2023 Game Changers, Brian Canale and Common Threads Closet. Brian Canale attended with his wife, Carol, family and friends. Cindy Bach, director of Common Threads, accepted the award on behalf of her many volunteers and supporters.
Based on thoughtful conversations over the last several years, we increased our grantmaking to $350,000, scholarships rose to $290,000, and we spent just over $400,000 in new economic development grant programs. Despite a tumultuous investment environment, our spending policy and our investment strategies provided guardrails for us to continue funding these critical activities this year. Because funding this work has made such an
Brian Canale was recognized for his long history of charitable giving to Barberton City Schools, sports teams, and more recently to the Ben Curtis Family Foundation. Brian is also chair of the Turf Committee and hosts the Chicken Open golf tournament each year which donates proceeds to area food-based charities. Brian Canale is synonymous with Barberton chicken, and it was at Devore’s Hopocan Gardens that Brian learned the origin of the family’s charitable values.
important impact, we expect to stay on a similar path of spending in 2024. As you make your plans for the future, we would be happy to talk with you about how to start a fund and leave a legacy. Having been in this space for a long time, I have seen the impact even small donations can make, as well as the lasting impact a contribution to an endowment gives to a cause you care about. There will always be great need, so we ask you: how would you like to help? Give us a call to get started at 330-745-5995 or visit our website to learn more about our family of funds. Wishing you a happy 2024, Tiffany Peters, Director of Finance
The book will be 40 pages, with an appendix that includes Barberton’s Walk of Fame and Academic Hall of Fame. “Let’s pique their curiosity,” Storad said. “Encourage them to find out about this person from Barberton, who were they and what did they do?”
Barberton Community Foundation honors 2023 Game Changers Brian Canale and Common Threads Closet
We would like to thank our sponsors and all our guests for joining us on this wonderful evening. Each of you made the event special, we appreciate you and your gifts of time, talent and treasure to the community of Barberton. This night showed Barberton’s magic! Josh Gordon, Executive Director
“There’s a lot to cover,” said Storad. “Geography and how Lake Anna was formed, for example. Local history is not just recent history. It’s the ice age and the native people who were here, then the founding of Barberton. It will be an overview of the prehistoric past, near past, present, and a little bit of the future, too.”
When Brian took over the business, his grandfather, William DeVore, said something that has stayed with him. “We feed everybody.” Brian has taken that message to heart and applied it to the community. Common Threads Closet is a Barberton nonprofit organization providing clothing of all sizes, shoes, home goods, and small appliances to those in need. Housed in the basement of Lakeview United Methodist Church at 211 3rd St, this organization is run entirely by volunteers. The closet is open twice a week, on Thursdays from 4-7pm and Saturdays from 10am-1pm. Director Cindy Bach said she’s always looking for volunteers. “We take everybody,” says Cindy. “We have folks who volunteer from home because they have limited mobility. If you want to help out, we will work with you. There’s a job for everyone.” If you’d like to continue your celebration of our Game Changers, visit our website at barbertoncf.org/donate to make a gift to their funds, or to our general fund in their name. Top: (L-R) Game Changers Brian Canale and Cindy Bach
Bottom Left: (L-R) Tiffany Peters, Carol Canale, Brian Canale, Bethany McKenney, and Jason Slater
Bottom Right: Common Threads Closet volunteers
Conrad Storad and Laurie Storad engage with visitors at Mum Fest. Photo Credit: Rob Greer, ArtsNow SEEN Project - Funded in part by Barberton Community Foundation
Storad is working with the schools to have the book ready for printing in time for the 2024 fall school year. Barberton has about 250 third grade students each year. As an addition to the book and the curriculum, these students take a bus tour of the city and visit O.C. Barber’s Piggery. “This will be something we can take pride in as a community and will impact our students for potentially the rest of their lives,” said Hodanbosi. “Thank you to Barberton Community Foundation for supporting this project and making this partnership possible.”
Third Cycle Grant Awards: Arts and Community
Barberton Community Foundation awards its final grant cycle of 2023, funding $93,375 in arts and community projects to five area organizations including the Barberton City School District and the City of Barberton Parks and Recreation. Barberton City School District
Barberton City School District received funding for two programs totaling $33,375. Bringing Barberton History to Life received $19,375. Barberton 3rd-grade students receive local history lessons as part of their social studies class. The school is working to update their curriculum with a new book on Barberton history and aligning it with Ohio’s Learning Standards. Students also receive a bus tour of the city and a tour of O.C. Barber’s Piggery as part of their experience. The school’s second program, called Refining Music Skills, received $14,000. The grant provides support for funding skilled performance musicians who will work with student percussion instrumentalists and advanced ensemble students at Barberton Middle School and Barberton High School. Their goal is to provide additional expert instruction to music students and inspire middle school students to continue with the orchestra once they enter the high school.
...................................................................... Magical Theatre Company
Magical Theatre Company received $25,000 for their PACT (Performing Arts Can Teach) program. PACT provides meaningful live theatre experiences for Barberton students in grades 1,3,5,7,9, and 12. Students in these grades will take field trips to Magical Theatre Company performances at no cost to their families. The program also provides Teacher-Student Study Guides that tie into their current curriculum. Additionally, all grades in Barberton Primary and Barberton Intermediate will have professional theatre experiences at their school via touring productions.
City of Barberton Parks and Recreation The City of Barberton’s Parks and Recreation department received $15,000 to provide support toward the city’s programming, festivals and events including: “Day at the Park” youth programs, the senior fair and van trips, movie nights in the park and summer concert series.
....................................................................... Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity received $10,000 toward their 2024 Neighborhood Reborn event, which works to cleanup, revitalize and transform a neighborhood in Barberton over the course of two days. This program expects to work with 45 residents, who will see direct impact on their neighborhood through tangible home and yard improvements as well as increased civic pride, improved public amenities, and an improved neighborhood perception of safety.
...................................................................... Barberton Diamond Sports
Barberton Diamond Sports received $10,000 to overhaul one of their baseball/softball fields and to assist in scholarships for players. Barberton Diamond Sports offers spring and fall baseball and softball seasons with 7 baseball teams, 4 softball teams and 4 tee ball teams, serving youth 5-14 years old and their families.
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anywhere – stop and say hi and tell me what you’d like to know. If I don’t have an answer on the spot, I’ll get one and follow up with you.
Barberton History Continued from Front Page
“And so I decided on a squirrel as a narrator, telling the story of his 35-generations-removed ancestor, that was around during O.C. Barber’s time,” he said. The book will have to address numerous subjects. The overarching theme of grade three social studies is “Communities: Past and Present, Near and Far” with the curriculum outline written as: the local community serves as the focal point for third grade as students begin to understand how their communities have changed over time and to make comparisons with communities in other places. The study of local history comes alive through the use of artifacts and documents. They also learn how communities are governed and how the local economy is organized.
An Introduction from Executive Director Josh Gordon I write this having recently completed my first week serving as the Foundation’s Executive Director. This position comes with many responsibilities - and opportunities. Rather than listing them all for you, I’d like to publicly extend the commitment I’ve already made to our Board of Directors. To the city, school district, nonprofit community of Barberton, fund holders, donors, grant partners, business community, and residents of Barberton: my door is open to you! My experiences in business, government, and nonprofit leadership have taught me that trust is earned through transparency and a sincere willingness to listen and learn. I have always believed in being persistently curious and asking questions (without a fear of looking silly)! I encourage everyone to share their curiosities with me. I am interested in learning what you’re curious about when it comes to the Foundation. What have you heard about us but would like to verify? What are you curious about, but never asked? What is your question about how the Foundation works? Ask away! Please email me at jgordon@barbertoncf.org. Or, if you see me around town at a Magics’ Basketball game, at Kave getting a cup of coffee, or leaving a movie at Lake 8, getting a bite to eat at Remarkable Diner – or
Something I learned about the Foundation in my first week as Executive Director is that I am fortunate to be surrounded by so many people who care deeply about building our community. The kindness and warmth of the team, the Board, the Friends of the Foundation group, officials from the City and school district, have all made me feel welcome and supported. Their kindness is appreciated, as we have a lot of important work to do together. This year will continue our focus in economic development, building on the work that has begun in that area. The Foundation has many projects either actively underway or under consideration right now. We also have work to do in how we share what we do with the community. I believe that the more everyone understands about how the Foundation gets money, how we grow the money we have, and how we give it away to charitable organizations and important projects, the more impact our resources will have. We are all about impact here at BCF. The question we ask ourselves is: What can we do to have the most positive impact for the most people in Barberton? Whether you have questions or ideas, I’d love to hear them.
A Note on Perpetuity
Tiffany Peters served as Interim Executive Director through December, 2023. She is pleased to return to her role as Director of Finance in January.
2
A Night of Celebration
When the Foundation was formed, it was intended to last for perpetuity, or forever in other words. Since then, we have saved taxpayers millions of dollars, including $58 million for the high school alone. We have also funded land purchases for the middle school, youth sports fields, the senior center for the City, and numerous other projects benefiting Barberton residents.
Barberton Community Foundation held our 2023 Annual Dinner on Thursday, November 2, at the Galaxy Restaurant. The night of celebration featured our 2023 Game Changers, Brian Canale and Common Threads Closet. Brian Canale attended with his wife, Carol, family and friends. Cindy Bach, director of Common Threads, accepted the award on behalf of her many volunteers and supporters.
Based on thoughtful conversations over the last several years, we increased our grantmaking to $350,000, scholarships rose to $290,000, and we spent just over $400,000 in new economic development grant programs. Despite a tumultuous investment environment, our spending policy and our investment strategies provided guardrails for us to continue funding these critical activities this year. Because funding this work has made such an
Brian Canale was recognized for his long history of charitable giving to Barberton City Schools, sports teams, and more recently to the Ben Curtis Family Foundation. Brian is also chair of the Turf Committee and hosts the Chicken Open golf tournament each year which donates proceeds to area food-based charities. Brian Canale is synonymous with Barberton chicken, and it was at Devore’s Hopocan Gardens that Brian learned the origin of the family’s charitable values.
important impact, we expect to stay on a similar path of spending in 2024. As you make your plans for the future, we would be happy to talk with you about how to start a fund and leave a legacy. Having been in this space for a long time, I have seen the impact even small donations can make, as well as the lasting impact a contribution to an endowment gives to a cause you care about. There will always be great need, so we ask you: how would you like to help? Give us a call to get started at 330-745-5995 or visit our website to learn more about our family of funds. Wishing you a happy 2024, Tiffany Peters, Director of Finance
The book will be 40 pages, with an appendix that includes Barberton’s Walk of Fame and Academic Hall of Fame. “Let’s pique their curiosity,” Storad said. “Encourage them to find out about this person from Barberton, who were they and what did they do?”
Barberton Community Foundation honors 2023 Game Changers Brian Canale and Common Threads Closet
We would like to thank our sponsors and all our guests for joining us on this wonderful evening. Each of you made the event special, we appreciate you and your gifts of time, talent and treasure to the community of Barberton. This night showed Barberton’s magic! Josh Gordon, Executive Director
“There’s a lot to cover,” said Storad. “Geography and how Lake Anna was formed, for example. Local history is not just recent history. It’s the ice age and the native people who were here, then the founding of Barberton. It will be an overview of the prehistoric past, near past, present, and a little bit of the future, too.”
When Brian took over the business, his grandfather, William DeVore, said something that has stayed with him. “We feed everybody.” Brian has taken that message to heart and applied it to the community. Common Threads Closet is a Barberton nonprofit organization providing clothing of all sizes, shoes, home goods, and small appliances to those in need. Housed in the basement of Lakeview United Methodist Church at 211 3rd St, this organization is run entirely by volunteers. The closet is open twice a week, on Thursdays from 4-7pm and Saturdays from 10am-1pm. Director Cindy Bach said she’s always looking for volunteers. “We take everybody,” says Cindy. “We have folks who volunteer from home because they have limited mobility. If you want to help out, we will work with you. There’s a job for everyone.” If you’d like to continue your celebration of our Game Changers, visit our website at barbertoncf.org/donate to make a gift to their funds, or to our general fund in their name. Top: (L-R) Game Changers Brian Canale and Cindy Bach
Bottom Left: (L-R) Tiffany Peters, Carol Canale, Brian Canale, Bethany McKenney, and Jason Slater
Bottom Right: Common Threads Closet volunteers
Conrad Storad and Laurie Storad engage with visitors at Mum Fest. Photo Credit: Rob Greer, ArtsNow SEEN Project - Funded in part by Barberton Community Foundation
Storad is working with the schools to have the book ready for printing in time for the 2024 fall school year. Barberton has about 250 third grade students each year. As an addition to the book and the curriculum, these students take a bus tour of the city and visit O.C. Barber’s Piggery. “This will be something we can take pride in as a community and will impact our students for potentially the rest of their lives,” said Hodanbosi. “Thank you to Barberton Community Foundation for supporting this project and making this partnership possible.”
Third Cycle Grant Awards: Arts and Community
Barberton Community Foundation awards its final grant cycle of 2023, funding $93,375 in arts and community projects to five area organizations including the Barberton City School District and the City of Barberton Parks and Recreation. Barberton City School District
Barberton City School District received funding for two programs totaling $33,375. Bringing Barberton History to Life received $19,375. Barberton 3rd-grade students receive local history lessons as part of their social studies class. The school is working to update their curriculum with a new book on Barberton history and aligning it with Ohio’s Learning Standards. Students also receive a bus tour of the city and a tour of O.C. Barber’s Piggery as part of their experience. The school’s second program, called Refining Music Skills, received $14,000. The grant provides support for funding skilled performance musicians who will work with student percussion instrumentalists and advanced ensemble students at Barberton Middle School and Barberton High School. Their goal is to provide additional expert instruction to music students and inspire middle school students to continue with the orchestra once they enter the high school.
...................................................................... Magical Theatre Company
Magical Theatre Company received $25,000 for their PACT (Performing Arts Can Teach) program. PACT provides meaningful live theatre experiences for Barberton students in grades 1,3,5,7,9, and 12. Students in these grades will take field trips to Magical Theatre Company performances at no cost to their families. The program also provides Teacher-Student Study Guides that tie into their current curriculum. Additionally, all grades in Barberton Primary and Barberton Intermediate will have professional theatre experiences at their school via touring productions.
City of Barberton Parks and Recreation The City of Barberton’s Parks and Recreation department received $15,000 to provide support toward the city’s programming, festivals and events including: “Day at the Park” youth programs, the senior fair and van trips, movie nights in the park and summer concert series.
....................................................................... Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity received $10,000 toward their 2024 Neighborhood Reborn event, which works to cleanup, revitalize and transform a neighborhood in Barberton over the course of two days. This program expects to work with 45 residents, who will see direct impact on their neighborhood through tangible home and yard improvements as well as increased civic pride, improved public amenities, and an improved neighborhood perception of safety.
...................................................................... Barberton Diamond Sports
Barberton Diamond Sports received $10,000 to overhaul one of their baseball/softball fields and to assist in scholarships for players. Barberton Diamond Sports offers spring and fall baseball and softball seasons with 7 baseball teams, 4 softball teams and 4 tee ball teams, serving youth 5-14 years old and their families.
......................................................................
.......................................................................
f
anywhere – stop and say hi and tell me what you’d like to know. If I don’t have an answer on the spot, I’ll get one and follow up with you.
Winter 2023/24
Thank You from the Board Chair Recognizing Nine Years of Service
Jennifer Bidlingmyer completes her final year of service on Foundation’s Board of Directors. Thank you to Jennifer Bidlingmyer for her nine years of dedication to Barberton Community Foundation. “In my time on the Board, I have learned how the Foundation touches every corner of our city from small grants to large collaborative economic projects; from supporting our young people in their education and their professional journey to supporting our senior citizens with Mobile Meals and the Active Adult Center. We really are blessed as a community to have such an impactful foundation.” - Jennifer Bidlingmyer
As I reflect on the conclusion of 2023, I am both honored and humbled by the accomplishments and milestones achieved by the Barberton Community Foundation. Serving as the Board Chair for the past two years has been a privilege, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have helped my community in this capacity. I sincerely appreciate all the support from the Board, the staff and countless others along this journey.
460 W. Paige Ave. | Barberton, OH 44203
Mike Andric Jim Bauschlinger Justin Greer Ann Hutchison Mayor William Judge Theresa Osborne Jeff Ramnytz Jason Slater Susan Wynn
2023 was a challenging and eventful year at the Foundation. In the spring, with a heavy heart, we wished Dr. Suzanne Allen well as she began her next chapter, retirement. Her contributions to the Foundation will be felt for years to come, and for that I say thank you. Tiffany Peters, then Director of Finance, stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director. She has served with a calm and steady hand, providing guidance to the staff and board during the time of transition. I believe I speak for the entire Board in thanking Tiffany for her dedication during our transition period. We are excited to have her full focus back on the Director of Finance role. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I’d like to welcome Josh Gordon to his new role as Executive Director. Josh has a deep passion for our community and a unique set of experiences that position him for success. I am confident in Josh’s ability to lead the Foundation toward new levels of success, and I am excited for the opportunity to serve with him in this new capacity.
Rudy was a Barberton football coach, science teacher, and Athletic Director. Until this 2023 season, Sharkey was Barberton’s all-time leader in football coaching wins with 71 victories in 11 seasons. Sharkey posted a record of 71-36-2 as Barberton’s football coach from 1972-1982. The high school football stadium was named in his honor in 1983. He is recognized in the Barberton Sports Hall of Fame, Summit County Sports Hall of Fame, and the Ohio High School Coaches Hall of Fame.
Sincerely,
Jason Slater
For more information and event updates, visit www.barbertoncf.org 330.745.5995 | 460 W. Paige Ave. | Barberton, OH 44203 3
Find us on Facebook @BarbertonCommunity Foundation
Bringing the History of Barberton to Life Foundation funds grant to schools for local author to write new book with third grade local history curriculum Barberton is a town rich in history and many stories. Some of those stories will soon be collected by local author Conrad Storad and shared in a new book with third grade students in Barberton City School District as part of their updated social studies and local history curriculum.
Dr. Shelly Habegger, Director of Curriculum, knew who to call. “The schools have a great relationship with Conrad Storad. We’re lucky to have such a gifted author in our community,” she said.
The Sharkey family honors his and Millie’s legacy with this scholarhip in their memory. The scholarship will make its first scholarship award this year to two Barberton High School seniors who display leadership, determination, and teamwork through BHS athletics.
Make a donation to the Sharkey Fund today! Scan or visit us online at barbertoncf.org/donate
Conrad Storad with his Story Monster characters.
“Currently, our students are using a version of the History of Barberton that is 15 years old and no longer captures the depth of what our students need to learn,” explained Phil Hodanbosi, Instructional Coach for Barberton City Schools. “We needed an update.”
In memory of Rudy A Sharkey, Jr. August 12, 1935 - April 21, 2023
While this has been a year of change for the Foundation, our purpose and vision have never been clearer. We must continue to responsibly steward the funds entrusted to us by the community to ensure that benefits to Barberton citizens are realized today, tomorrow, and into the future. The goal of perpetuity is fundamental to the mission of the Foundation and will continue to guide and shape our decisions for grant making, economic development, and all other community initiatives.
Past Chair of the Board of Directors
Staff Josh Gordon, Executive Director Tiffany Peters, Director of Finance Kate DeAngelis Director of Marketing Carrie Herman Director of Community Impact
Announcing the Rudy & Millie Sharkey Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund
January 2024 also marks several transitions on our Board as I complete my time as Chair. The Foundation welcomed new officers: Lynne Holcomb as the Chair of the Board of Directors, Moriah CheathamWilliams as Vice-Chair, Deb Shreiner as Secretary, and Hugh McMichael as Treasurer. I would also like to thank Jennifer Bidlingmyer for her service to the Board as she concludes her final term of service.
Barberton Community Foundation’s 2024 Officers (L-R) Deb Shreiner, Secretary; Lynne Holcomb, President; Moriah Cheatham-Williams, Vice President; Hugh McMichael, Treasurer
Board of Directors Lynne Holcomb, Chair Moriah Cheatham-Williams, Vice Chair Hugh McMichael, Treasurer Deb Shreiner, Secretary
Inside
Conrad Storad, the self-proclaimed ‘edutainer,’ was thrilled to be awarded the contract. “I was all in from the very beginning,” he said. “In my books, I teach science and history through storytelling.”
Page 3: Letter of Gratitude from Past Board Chair, Jason Slater
Storad is the award-winning author or editor of more than 60 science and nature books for children and young adults. He received an IRWIN Award as Storyteller of the Year in 2018 from the Book Publicists of Southern California and a recent book, Story Monsters Among Us, won the Outstanding Creator Award as Best Children’s Book for 2023.
Page 2: Message From Executive Director, Josh Gordon The mission of Barberton Community Foundation is to strengthen the Barberton community for current and future generations by providing leadership, fostering collaboration, and creating a legacy of giving to do good. We envision an improved quality of life for Barberton residents, now and forever.
Page 4: A Magical Evening Page 5: Third Cycle Grant Announcements
Storad grew up in Barberton, earned the nickname “Top,” and graduated from Barberton High School, class of 1975. He then earned a BA in mass media communication from the University of Akron and completed his master’s degree in in mass communication/science journalism from Arizona State University. Storad lived much of his career in Arizona, returning to Barberton with his wife, Laurie, to be closer to family. “Kids can relate to someone who grew up here.” Hodanbosi said, “We’re really looking forward to working with him. He knows our history, but more than that, he has a passion for it. Conrad has always been successful in bringing scientific and historic information to kids in an engaging way.” Conrad shared that he likes to write for third grade students because they’re just learning to read on their own. “Stories are fun, they resonate and stick in your mind. I want to do a fun story about Barberton that will stick with them better than a list of facts.” “What I’ve done in past books is to create a narrator to tell the story. My narrators are usually animals,” he said. “So, I started thinking about what kind of animal I wanted to narrate this story. Bob Snyder showed me a photo of O.C. Barber with his dogs at the Wishing Well, and some of those trees are still there. I see all kinds of squirrels running around the wishing well. Fun squirrels. Wacky squirrels.” Continued on Page 5